SMBC Aero Engine Lease (SAEL) Delivers First LEAP-1B Spare Engine To Akasa Air

SMBC AERO ENGINE LEASE (SAEL) is delighted to announce the delivery of the first LEAP1B spare engine to Akasa Air, India’s newest airline.

Roger Welaratne (MD & CEO) said, we are very pleased to partner with Akasa Air and deliver our very first spare LEAP1B in India and Asia. Akasa Air has entered the Indian market with a sustainable and robust business plan at a promising time as the country’s aviation industry is on the way to recovery. We are delighted to embark on this growth journey and be part of this special milestone. This is the first of three spare engines to be delivered over the course of 2022-23 and we look forward to supporting Akasa’s fleet growth.

Welcoming the partnership, Bhavin Joshi, Sr. Vice President, Leasing and Procurement at Akasa Air said, “We are delighted to begin our relationship with SMBC Aero Engine Lease (SAEL) and look forward to strengthening our association in the future. The confidence and endorsement of SAEL, which is not only one of the largest global aircraft engine leasing companies but is also an affiliate of one of the largest aircraft lessor, is a testimony to our future”.

“For Akasa Air, having a spare engine pipeline which provides reliable operations, helps build a dependable fleet, and results in a positive customer experience, is fundamental to our service ethos”, he added.